| Reference number | NLB/10/265 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/10 p125-126 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to Sir Clements Robert Markham, President of the Royal Geographical Society |
| Date | 2 November 1894 |
| Description | The President [Lord Kelvin, William Thomson] and Council received in May the Report of the Committee they had appointed to advise them on the proposal concerning an Antarctic Expedition contained in Markham's letter of 20th February.
Upon considering that report, of which a copy is enclosed [not attached], the President and Council, while acknowledging that the Report gave forcible reasons for the immediate undertaking of such an expedition, felt grave doubts as to whether under present financial circumstances, it was their duty to advise or take part in pressing the matter upon Her Majesty's Government.
The results of a private interview with the Lords of Admiralty and a small deputation of the Society, have increased rather than lessened those doubts. Accordingly Foster is directed to reply to Markham's letter that the President and Council recognize the great scientific and other benefits likely to accrue from an Antarctic Expedition, but are unwilling to take part in urging Her Majesty's Government to enter, at once and single-handed, upon so costly an undertaking. |
| Extent | 2p |
| Format | Carbon |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |
| NA7951 | Markham; Sir; Clements Robert (1830 - 1916) | 1830 - 1916 |
| NA8289 | Thomson; William (1824 - 1907); Baron Kelvin of Largs; mathematician and physicist | 1824 - 1907 |